Ontario to Introduce New Offence Targeting Vehicle Identification Number Fraud
The province of Ontario has announced plans to create a new offence aimed at tackling vehicle identification number (VIN) fraud. This move comes as part of the government’s efforts to crack down on auto theft and protect consumers from purchasing stolen vehicles.
According to the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services, VIN fraud occurs when a vehicle’s identification number is altered, removed, or replaced in order to conceal its true identity. This can be done by criminals to sell stolen vehicles or to avoid detection by law enforcement.
The new offence, which will be added to the Highway Traffic Act, will make it illegal to alter, remove, or replace a VIN without a valid reason. Offenders could face fines of up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment for up to six months. The government also plans to introduce regulations that will require all VINs to be registered with the province’s vehicle registry, making it easier to track and identify stolen vehicles.
Minister of Government and Consumer Services, Lisa Thompson, stated that this new offence will send a strong message to criminals that VIN fraud will not be tolerated in Ontario. She also emphasized the importance of protecting consumers from unknowingly purchasing stolen vehicles, which can result in financial loss and safety risks.
The government’s announcement has been welcomed by the Insurance Bureau of Canada, which estimates that auto theft costs Canadians over $1 billion each year. The bureau also encourages consumers to be vigilant when purchasing a used vehicle and to check the VIN against the province’s vehicle registry to ensure it is not stolen.
The new offence is expected to come into effect in the spring of 2022, pending the passage of legislation. The government hopes that this measure will help reduce auto theft and protect consumers from becoming victims of VIN fraud.
